Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady is urging local people to contact Wicklow County Council to request that the Council votes to decrease the Local Property Tax by the 15% amount allowed for in legislation.
Teachta Brady said that there is a window of opportunity between now and the end of August for local people to write in to the council requesting the reduction:
“The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Friday 26th August. The council will then meet in September and take a decision on the LPT rate. In the past, Sinn Fein has been to the forefront in securing reductions to Local Property Tax rates across the Country but last year our efforts were thwarted when Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the majority of independent councillors on Wicklow County Council actually voted to increase the charge. We will be lobbying hard to convince fellow councillors in other parties and independents to support us this time out, however if the public join us by writing in to the council calling for a decrease, it will be much harder for those parties vote down our proposal.”
Teachta Brady said that homeowners have an opportunity to impact on a decision that will affect their pockets:
“A 15% reduction in the LPT could save some families as much as 100 euro depending on the value of their homes. At the very least, all home owners stand to benefit even a modest amount should the reduction be approved. This is money that could be spent in the local community on services, or spent in local businesses; many of whom are still struggling to survive. You can contact the council and have you voice heard by writing directly to - LPT Consultation, c/o Finance Department, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town or lptconsult@wicklowcoco.ie”.
The Wicklow/East Carlow TD concluded by saying “Sinn Féin is commitment to abolishing the Local Property Tax (LPT), it’s an unfair tax, not only is it unfair, it is also not working. Local authorities such as Wicklow County Council are struggling to provide basic services, leaving many people wondering where exactly their hard earned money is actually going”.
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow john.brady@oireachtas.ie
Sunday, 14 August 2016
Thursday, 11 August 2016
Ten Million Euro Investment in Rural Ireland is a Poor Start.
Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow East Carlow has said that government plans to invest ten million Euro into rural development is a poor start:
“The government has announced an investment programme of ten million Euro for rural Ireland. While all monies directed towards reinvigorating the rural economy is to be welcomed, this announcement suggests that the government really need to wake up to the realities of decline affecting rural towns and villages all over the country. Minister Heather Humphreys has accepted that this funding is not the ‘Silver Bullet’ needed to solve the challenges faced by rural Ireland. On this we agree – in fact, it is not even a wooden pellet never mind a silver bullet.”
Teachta Brady said that citizens deserve better than to be fobbed off by token gestures:
“Similar to the government’s paltry three euro increase to pensioners recently, this latest initiative is another example of delivering insults rather than results. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail together have proven to be a double whammy of ineffective and underfunded miscalculations. It is now an accepted reality that urban areas such as Dublin are disproportionately benefitting from our slow, unequal so-called recovery. Counties like Wicklow and Carlow are seeing little or no benefit, despite being on the capitals doorstep. This urban focus is exacerbating rural decline meaning small towns and villages in this constituency and across the country are left with boarded up businesses and a continued brain drain as younger people move away.”
“Sinn Fein have been calling for serious investment for years and have produced detailed costed plans covering everything from providing adequate medical and ambulance services, decent transport services, village and town investment plans to broadband and Infrastructure. If we are going to invest, let’s do it properly and in a way that will have a real impact. Ten million Euros might sound like a lot of money but when it is divided up between 200 villages and towns, it will barely cover the cost of cutting the grass on village greens.”
“The government has announced an investment programme of ten million Euro for rural Ireland. While all monies directed towards reinvigorating the rural economy is to be welcomed, this announcement suggests that the government really need to wake up to the realities of decline affecting rural towns and villages all over the country. Minister Heather Humphreys has accepted that this funding is not the ‘Silver Bullet’ needed to solve the challenges faced by rural Ireland. On this we agree – in fact, it is not even a wooden pellet never mind a silver bullet.”
Teachta Brady said that citizens deserve better than to be fobbed off by token gestures:
“Similar to the government’s paltry three euro increase to pensioners recently, this latest initiative is another example of delivering insults rather than results. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail together have proven to be a double whammy of ineffective and underfunded miscalculations. It is now an accepted reality that urban areas such as Dublin are disproportionately benefitting from our slow, unequal so-called recovery. Counties like Wicklow and Carlow are seeing little or no benefit, despite being on the capitals doorstep. This urban focus is exacerbating rural decline meaning small towns and villages in this constituency and across the country are left with boarded up businesses and a continued brain drain as younger people move away.”
“Sinn Fein have been calling for serious investment for years and have produced detailed costed plans covering everything from providing adequate medical and ambulance services, decent transport services, village and town investment plans to broadband and Infrastructure. If we are going to invest, let’s do it properly and in a way that will have a real impact. Ten million Euros might sound like a lot of money but when it is divided up between 200 villages and towns, it will barely cover the cost of cutting the grass on village greens.”
Fianna Fáil continue to go against their own commitments – Brady
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that Fianna Fáil labelling themselves as the ‘main party of Opposition’ is laughable.
Teachta Brady said:
“Fianna Fáil announcing themselves as the main party of opposition in the papers today is bizarre. If Fianna Fáil actually see their party as leading the way in the opposition they are doing a very poor job.
“What are they in opposition with to Fine Gael? They are following in their footsteps in everything they do be it the water charges, rent certainty or bin charges to name but a few.
“Fianna Fáil are not in opposition to the Government in fact, they may as well be in Government. The clear position they held on opposing water charges in the run up to the election is a distant memory for them. The rent certainty they called for as part of their own party policy is no more. Again and again, they have gone against their own commitments, their voters and party policies to join forces with Fine Gael.
“Sinn Féin is the only actual opposition party in the Oireachtas. We are standing up for ordinary working people, we are standing over the mandate we were given be it the strong message of abolishing water charges or the need for rent certainty for struggling families.
“Fianna Fáil were reckless in Government and as the so-called ‘main party of opposition’ they are no better.”
Teachta Brady said:
“Fianna Fáil announcing themselves as the main party of opposition in the papers today is bizarre. If Fianna Fáil actually see their party as leading the way in the opposition they are doing a very poor job.
“What are they in opposition with to Fine Gael? They are following in their footsteps in everything they do be it the water charges, rent certainty or bin charges to name but a few.
“Fianna Fáil are not in opposition to the Government in fact, they may as well be in Government. The clear position they held on opposing water charges in the run up to the election is a distant memory for them. The rent certainty they called for as part of their own party policy is no more. Again and again, they have gone against their own commitments, their voters and party policies to join forces with Fine Gael.
“Sinn Féin is the only actual opposition party in the Oireachtas. We are standing up for ordinary working people, we are standing over the mandate we were given be it the strong message of abolishing water charges or the need for rent certainty for struggling families.
“Fianna Fáil were reckless in Government and as the so-called ‘main party of opposition’ they are no better.”
Little Bray Floodplain development must be halted
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and party spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady has called on Minister of State Sean Canney to do his job in relation to high density buildings being developed on a floodplain at the Dargle River in Little Bray, County Wicklow.
Speaking today, Teachta Brady said:
“The community group SWAP in my constituency have been working tirelessly against proposed high density buildings being developed on a floodplain at the Dargle River in Little Bray.
“The idea of such a vast development being put in place on a floodplain is madness and defies basic common sense.
“As the site is currently owned by NAMA and they are actively selling off their portfolios, there is a real pressure on SWAP to reach the desired and proper outcome.
“It is important to say that this community group are not opposed to development in the area they simply want the high density development to be built on the higher ground away from the floodplain at the same site.
“SWAP are campaigning to prevent development on this floodplain for years. They have experienced flooding on numerous occasions in the past and are extremely worried about it reoccurring. This community is largely made up of older people and people with disabilities. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community who are simply trying to protect their homes.
“Having been unsuccessful in receiving any reply from Minister Canney up to now, I am calling on him to engage with the community group.
“I have put this request in writing to the Minister today and I hope I will not be left waiting as this group have.”
Speaking today, Teachta Brady said:
“The community group SWAP in my constituency have been working tirelessly against proposed high density buildings being developed on a floodplain at the Dargle River in Little Bray.
“The idea of such a vast development being put in place on a floodplain is madness and defies basic common sense.
“As the site is currently owned by NAMA and they are actively selling off their portfolios, there is a real pressure on SWAP to reach the desired and proper outcome.
“It is important to say that this community group are not opposed to development in the area they simply want the high density development to be built on the higher ground away from the floodplain at the same site.
“SWAP are campaigning to prevent development on this floodplain for years. They have experienced flooding on numerous occasions in the past and are extremely worried about it reoccurring. This community is largely made up of older people and people with disabilities. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community who are simply trying to protect their homes.
“Having been unsuccessful in receiving any reply from Minister Canney up to now, I am calling on him to engage with the community group.
“I have put this request in writing to the Minister today and I hope I will not be left waiting as this group have.”
Lone Parents' access to education must be improved - Brady
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has called on the Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar to reverse changes made by his predecessor Joan Burton TD that deny lone parents access to education.
Teachta Brady said:
“The barriers created for lone parents by Fine Gael and Labour has been highlighted this weekend by Erica Fleming, a homeless lone parent who has been refused the Back to Education Allowance after securing a place in Trinity College.
“Last year, those in receipt of One-Parent Family Allowance with children over the age of seven lost the payment. Erica Fleming was just one of these people and was transferred to Family Income Supplement. Under the One-Parent Family Allowance Erica would have been entitled to Back to Education Allowance under Family Income Supplement she is not.
“As a part-time worker receiving Family Income Supplement lone parents do not qualify for the Back to Education Allowance. In fact they need to be unemployed for 234 days to receive the allowance.
“As a direct consequence of changes made to lone parents last year Erica Fleming is being denied the opportunity to be educated because of the social welfare payment she receives. Her social welfare payment is preventing her from accessing education and this must be rectified immediately.
“The Back to Education Allowance should do just that, it should be an incentive to return to education instead, welfare policies for lone parents are barriers to employment and to education.
“It makes no sense whatsoever that access to education is only available to lone parents who lost their One Parent Family Payment if they are unemployed for 234 days.
“Both my office and Deputy Louise O’Reilly’s office are working on this matter. We have contacted Minister Varadkar directly this morning and we await his reply.”
Teachta Brady said:
“The barriers created for lone parents by Fine Gael and Labour has been highlighted this weekend by Erica Fleming, a homeless lone parent who has been refused the Back to Education Allowance after securing a place in Trinity College.
“Last year, those in receipt of One-Parent Family Allowance with children over the age of seven lost the payment. Erica Fleming was just one of these people and was transferred to Family Income Supplement. Under the One-Parent Family Allowance Erica would have been entitled to Back to Education Allowance under Family Income Supplement she is not.
“As a part-time worker receiving Family Income Supplement lone parents do not qualify for the Back to Education Allowance. In fact they need to be unemployed for 234 days to receive the allowance.
“As a direct consequence of changes made to lone parents last year Erica Fleming is being denied the opportunity to be educated because of the social welfare payment she receives. Her social welfare payment is preventing her from accessing education and this must be rectified immediately.
“The Back to Education Allowance should do just that, it should be an incentive to return to education instead, welfare policies for lone parents are barriers to employment and to education.
“It makes no sense whatsoever that access to education is only available to lone parents who lost their One Parent Family Payment if they are unemployed for 234 days.
“Both my office and Deputy Louise O’Reilly’s office are working on this matter. We have contacted Minister Varadkar directly this morning and we await his reply.”
Government trying to lock workers out of receiving pension entitlements - Brady
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said that there is nothing positive or progressive about increasing the threshold for part-time workers in order to receive the contributory State pension.
Speaking this morning, Teachta Brady said:
“This new Budget proposal looks to increase the threshold to qualify for the contributory State pension from €38 to €70 per week.
“The Government are telling part-time workers to earn more in order to receive their State pension on retirement. So, how do the Government suggest workers go about doing this?
“One in four workers are part-time workers, there has been a huge increase in zero hour contracts and precarious employment in recent years. The idea that part-time workers are simply able to increase their wage by €32 is ludicrous but not at all surprising.
“To even consider this move is just another reminder of the ever growing distance between the Government and the people on the ground.
“Only a few weeks ago, Sinn Féin brought forward a bill that sought to give protections for low-hours and zero-hours workers. This is what the Government should be looking at instead of trying to lock workers out of receiving their pension entitlements.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael once more joined forces to block this progressive legislation aimed at protecting ordinary workers.
“Sinn Féin is strongly opposed to this proposal. The Government should work harder at moving people away from low-paid, precarious employment and towards a living wage with proper pension entitlements for all workers.”
Speaking this morning, Teachta Brady said:
“This new Budget proposal looks to increase the threshold to qualify for the contributory State pension from €38 to €70 per week.
“The Government are telling part-time workers to earn more in order to receive their State pension on retirement. So, how do the Government suggest workers go about doing this?
“One in four workers are part-time workers, there has been a huge increase in zero hour contracts and precarious employment in recent years. The idea that part-time workers are simply able to increase their wage by €32 is ludicrous but not at all surprising.
“To even consider this move is just another reminder of the ever growing distance between the Government and the people on the ground.
“Only a few weeks ago, Sinn Féin brought forward a bill that sought to give protections for low-hours and zero-hours workers. This is what the Government should be looking at instead of trying to lock workers out of receiving their pension entitlements.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael once more joined forces to block this progressive legislation aimed at protecting ordinary workers.
“Sinn Féin is strongly opposed to this proposal. The Government should work harder at moving people away from low-paid, precarious employment and towards a living wage with proper pension entitlements for all workers.”
Brady welcomes Wicklow National Park extension
Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed the news that the State are finalising the purchase of lands in the Wicklow Mountains.
Teachta Brady said:
“I welcome the news that the Government are in the final stages of purchasing the almost 5,000 acres of land in the Wicklow Mountains.
“I had called on the Minister and the Government to purchase these lands from NAMA to ensure that they would be held by the State and to secure the extension of Wicklow National Park.
“This is very positive news for the people of Wicklow and particularly, those living nearby who were concerned about these lands being sold to a private entity for possible development.
“I am delighted that Minister Ring has also confirmed that this land will be added to Wicklow National Park, Ireland’s largest park.
“This purchase will mean that Wicklow National Park will become one of the largest national parks in Europe.
“This purchase provides a unique opportunity for further tourism potential in the area. I commend the Minister for moving quickly to secure these lands without delay.”
Teachta Brady said:
“I welcome the news that the Government are in the final stages of purchasing the almost 5,000 acres of land in the Wicklow Mountains.
“I had called on the Minister and the Government to purchase these lands from NAMA to ensure that they would be held by the State and to secure the extension of Wicklow National Park.
“This is very positive news for the people of Wicklow and particularly, those living nearby who were concerned about these lands being sold to a private entity for possible development.
“I am delighted that Minister Ring has also confirmed that this land will be added to Wicklow National Park, Ireland’s largest park.
“This purchase will mean that Wicklow National Park will become one of the largest national parks in Europe.
“This purchase provides a unique opportunity for further tourism potential in the area. I commend the Minister for moving quickly to secure these lands without delay.”
Parents continue to struggle under burden of ‘free education’ –Brady
Commenting on the latest figures of back to school costs issued by Barnardos, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has said parents continue to struggle financially under the burden of so-called ‘free education’.
Teachta Brady said:
“There is no such thing as free education. The Government may not be aware of this but parents, who are the ones actually paying, are only too well aware.
“The annual Back to School costs survey carried out by Barnardos is evidence of this fact. Parents right around the country are feeling enormous pressure preparing for this time of year.
“The findings of the survey show that to send one child to primary school costs €340 and to secondary school costs €775. These costs are huge and for parents with more than one child of school going age these costs are crippling.
“It is not about buying a school uniform and school books and that’s the end of it. There are additional costs that add to this and they vary from one school to another such as the use of iPads or the emphasis placed on voluntary contributions.
“The Government are driving people further and further into debt and into the arms of loan sharks who charge massive interest rates. With that, the Government are also placing huge pressure on voluntary organisations such as St. Vincent de Paul to assist families with additional costs. These organisations are left to spend millions annually to fill the gap left by Government cuts.
“I have asked the Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar during Priority Questions to increase the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance as one measure to help struggling families at this time of year. He gave no commitment but with Budget 2017 approaching pressure needs to be put on the Minister and Government TDs to ensure that the Budget does this.
“Barnardos have said that investment by the Government of €103 million would provide all primary school books, remove the voluntary contribution and classroom resources fees, restore the capitation rates back to 2010 levels and provide free transport for those using the School Transport Scheme. This would take some of the financial strain off parents who have children starting out at primary level. It would be a start.
“The cuts made to Education by Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil before them has led to these increased costs. In many cases, schools are left relying on voluntary contributions from parents year on year to help run the school.
“Sinn Féin has proposed a number of measures, including the restoration of the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance, the extension of the School Meals Programme by 15%, increased capitation to primary and secondary schools by 10% over a Dáil term and an increase in the Schools Book Grant by 30%.
“The Government need to wake up to the reality on the ground for parents and the actual costs of sending children to school in the real world. Budget 2017 must show action on these costs and not empty words.”
Teachta Brady said:
“There is no such thing as free education. The Government may not be aware of this but parents, who are the ones actually paying, are only too well aware.
“The annual Back to School costs survey carried out by Barnardos is evidence of this fact. Parents right around the country are feeling enormous pressure preparing for this time of year.
“The findings of the survey show that to send one child to primary school costs €340 and to secondary school costs €775. These costs are huge and for parents with more than one child of school going age these costs are crippling.
“It is not about buying a school uniform and school books and that’s the end of it. There are additional costs that add to this and they vary from one school to another such as the use of iPads or the emphasis placed on voluntary contributions.
“The Government are driving people further and further into debt and into the arms of loan sharks who charge massive interest rates. With that, the Government are also placing huge pressure on voluntary organisations such as St. Vincent de Paul to assist families with additional costs. These organisations are left to spend millions annually to fill the gap left by Government cuts.
“I have asked the Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar during Priority Questions to increase the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance as one measure to help struggling families at this time of year. He gave no commitment but with Budget 2017 approaching pressure needs to be put on the Minister and Government TDs to ensure that the Budget does this.
“Barnardos have said that investment by the Government of €103 million would provide all primary school books, remove the voluntary contribution and classroom resources fees, restore the capitation rates back to 2010 levels and provide free transport for those using the School Transport Scheme. This would take some of the financial strain off parents who have children starting out at primary level. It would be a start.
“The cuts made to Education by Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil before them has led to these increased costs. In many cases, schools are left relying on voluntary contributions from parents year on year to help run the school.
“Sinn Féin has proposed a number of measures, including the restoration of the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance, the extension of the School Meals Programme by 15%, increased capitation to primary and secondary schools by 10% over a Dáil term and an increase in the Schools Book Grant by 30%.
“The Government need to wake up to the reality on the ground for parents and the actual costs of sending children to school in the real world. Budget 2017 must show action on these costs and not empty words.”
Friday, 29 July 2016
Massive Clean Up Operation at Greystones illegal dump
In the wake of the shocking dumping incident which occurred adjacent to Charlesland in Greystones recently, Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady has said he is delighted the area has now been cleaned up and rendered safe:
“Myself and Sinn Fein Councillor Nicola Lawless were horrified at the extent of the dumping. Thankfully now the area involved has been cleaned up and the refuse removed. The Land adjacent to Charlesland is in private ownership so the owner had to hire private contractors to clean up the mess. Approximately six truckloads had to remove around a hundred tonnes of waste from the site. I am thankful that the owner of the land and the contractor acted quickly, however between the time the refuse was dumped and it was cleared away, the local fire services were dispatched to the area on nine separate occasions to deal with fires set amongst the refuse and debris. This highlights just how dangerous the situation was to local residents and the local environment.”
Councillor Nicola Lawless said that the issue is not completely resolved:
“Whilst it is certainly a relief to have the area cleaned up, the issue is not fully resolved. During the clean-up operation a large quantity of evidence was collected amongst the waste. This evidence will now be used by An Garda Síochána and the local council to ascertain who was responsible for the dumping and from where the rubbish originated. It is my hope that those who are genuinely culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We simply cannot allow a situation to occur where we are seen to go easy on those who would deliberately and maliciously do damage onto our communities with this sort of reckless behaviour. I would appeal to the people of Greystones and indeed the wider Wicklow public to be ever vigilante, and report incidents of dumping no matter how big or small to the local authorities.”
Teachta Brady concluded by saying that he will continue to apply Pressure on Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to expedite the issue of refuse charges:
“We in Sinn Fein have been fighting with the government constantly regarding their failure to adequately address the question mark that hangs over the whole area of refuse collection and bin charges. The incident in Greystones could be a dire warning of what might follow if those two parties continue to drag their heels on the issue. We need certainty regarding waste charges now, not in nine months’ time. We need legislative tightening and prosecution certainty to deal with those who would actively and willingly damage our environment and endanger our local communities.”
“Myself and Sinn Fein Councillor Nicola Lawless were horrified at the extent of the dumping. Thankfully now the area involved has been cleaned up and the refuse removed. The Land adjacent to Charlesland is in private ownership so the owner had to hire private contractors to clean up the mess. Approximately six truckloads had to remove around a hundred tonnes of waste from the site. I am thankful that the owner of the land and the contractor acted quickly, however between the time the refuse was dumped and it was cleared away, the local fire services were dispatched to the area on nine separate occasions to deal with fires set amongst the refuse and debris. This highlights just how dangerous the situation was to local residents and the local environment.”
Councillor Nicola Lawless said that the issue is not completely resolved:
“Whilst it is certainly a relief to have the area cleaned up, the issue is not fully resolved. During the clean-up operation a large quantity of evidence was collected amongst the waste. This evidence will now be used by An Garda Síochána and the local council to ascertain who was responsible for the dumping and from where the rubbish originated. It is my hope that those who are genuinely culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We simply cannot allow a situation to occur where we are seen to go easy on those who would deliberately and maliciously do damage onto our communities with this sort of reckless behaviour. I would appeal to the people of Greystones and indeed the wider Wicklow public to be ever vigilante, and report incidents of dumping no matter how big or small to the local authorities.”
Teachta Brady concluded by saying that he will continue to apply Pressure on Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to expedite the issue of refuse charges:
“We in Sinn Fein have been fighting with the government constantly regarding their failure to adequately address the question mark that hangs over the whole area of refuse collection and bin charges. The incident in Greystones could be a dire warning of what might follow if those two parties continue to drag their heels on the issue. We need certainty regarding waste charges now, not in nine months’ time. We need legislative tightening and prosecution certainty to deal with those who would actively and willingly damage our environment and endanger our local communities.”
Wednesday, 27 July 2016
Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada opens Wicklow/East Carlow TDS office in Arklow
John Brady TD Arklow Office Open for Business
Speaking after the official opening of Sinn Fein TD John Brady’s Arklow office, Teachta Brady said he was delighted to have a ‘go to’ point for the constituents of South Wicklow:
“It is the fulfilment of a personal ambition to ensure that Wicklow/East Carlow constituents have the best possible opportunity to reach out to myself and Sinn Fein with as little inconvenience as possible to them. Wicklow/ East Carlow is a vast constituency, but now that we have offices in Both Bray and Arklow, I am looking forward to meeting people from all over the constituency. Fundamental to the notion of representation is a genuine commitment to work directly for the benefit of those who live and work in the community. Myself and my team will do all we can to help constituents deal with the many social and economic challenges afoot.”
Teachta Brady said he was delighted to welcome Sinn Fein MEP for the Ireland South Constituency Liadh Ni Riada to Arklow for the official opening,he also thanked the local community for the warm welcome they have extended to him and his staff:
“Our MEP Liadh Riada was the perfect choice to officiate at the official opening. Her work in Europe addressing issues that impact rural communities - most specifically our fishing industry – is second to none. She also has a huge commitment to my area of concern which is Social Protection. Already we are inundated with calls and requests expressing fears and concerns over the state of the nation’s Health, Housing and Rural Business Infrastructure, despite the obvious stresses on many families across the County, I have been moved by the warmth of the welcome we have received from local people and businesses.”
Speaking after the official opening of Teachta Brady’s Arklow Office, the Sinn Fein MEP said that we now have an opportunity to turn our recent success into results for the people on the ground:
“Thanks to the electorate in South Wicklow and beyond we now have Sinn Fein representatives in almost every corner of the country. Opening this office I am delighted to be part of a team who is determined to provide quality representation and outreach to the people of Wicklow/East Carlow. Sinn Fein’s recent successes in Election to Europe, the Oireachtas and Local Councils ensures that we have the necessary mandate to continue the struggle to build an Ireland of equals. I look forward to working closely with John Brady to deliver for the people of Wicklow/East Carlow.”
TD John Brady’s offices are in Bray: Office Hours Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Tel: 01-2762623. Arklow: Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 3pm, Tel: 0402-41853.
Brady welcomes Government move to acquire 5,000 acres of land in Dublin Mountains
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and party spokesperson on Social Protection John Brady has welcomed the news that the Government intend to buy almost 5,000 acres of land in the Dublin Mountains from NAMA.
Teachta Brady said:
“Back in early June, I called on the then Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht to purchase this land from NAMA. I followed this up with a Parliamentary Question directly to the Minister asking him to acquire these lands.
“These lands are surrounded by the 200,000 hectares of the Wicklow Mountains National Park which is Ireland’s largest national park.
“This purchase by the State would provide a unique opportunity to expand the National Park increasing its tourism potential. This would be a very positive and welcome move.
“I also welcome other public representatives coming on board with this and echoing our calls for this land to be purchased since it was identified.
“I am delighted that the Minister has followed up on my calls for him to do this. I welcome that he has acknowledged the importance of these lands and their importance to the national park. I am glad that negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage and I am hopeful that a deal will be reached without delay.
Saturday, 23 July 2016
Liadh Ní Riada MEP to officially open Sinn Féin TD's office in Arklow
Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Liadh Ní Riada, will officially open the Arklow constituency office of Wicklow/East Carlow TD John Brady on Monday 25 July at 1pm.
Speaking ahead of the opening Teachta Brady said "I'm delighted to have Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada officially open my new constituency office in Arklow. The office is located at 18a Upper Main Street and when open, will be one of two Sinn Féin offices in the constituency, the other is located in Bray."
"The opening of Arklow office will provide a first class service to the people of Wicklow/East Carlow and ensure that the people of Arklow have access the best advise and representation possible. It also ensures that the voice of the people from South Wicklow will be heard at a national level."
Teachta Brady concluded "This is an exciting development for Sinn Féin and I. Prior to the election I promised the people of South Wicklow that I wouldn't forget them if elected to Leinster House, and I'm happy now to be following through on that promise.
Speaking ahead of the opening Teachta Brady said "I'm delighted to have Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada officially open my new constituency office in Arklow. The office is located at 18a Upper Main Street and when open, will be one of two Sinn Féin offices in the constituency, the other is located in Bray."
"The opening of Arklow office will provide a first class service to the people of Wicklow/East Carlow and ensure that the people of Arklow have access the best advise and representation possible. It also ensures that the voice of the people from South Wicklow will be heard at a national level."
Teachta Brady concluded "This is an exciting development for Sinn Féin and I. Prior to the election I promised the people of South Wicklow that I wouldn't forget them if elected to Leinster House, and I'm happy now to be following through on that promise.
Thursday, 21 July 2016
Government Housing Plan Falls Short-Brady
Sinn Fein spokesperson for social protection and TD for Wicklow-East Carlow John Brady has said that the government housing plan falls short of what is needed:
“Fine Gael’s ‘Housing Action Plan’ is a small improvement on the plans produced by his Labour predecessor Alan Kelly but still falls far short of what is actually needed. With over one hundred thousand households across the state now on the social housing waiting list, there is a fear that despite recent announcements we could be heading from crisis to catastrophe.”
Teachta Brady said putting party politics aside, the holes in the current government plans are pretty stark and show that the government seem to be seriously underestimating the extent of the challenges ahead:
“All parties need to get on board in working to deliver results that will resolve the housing crises as soon as is humanly possible. But the current round of government plans has some serious flaws, all of which have been pointed out by Sinn Fein. We very much welcome increased investment in social housing. However contrary to Minister Coveney's announcement; the real increase in investment in social housing on his predecessor’s plans is less than the €2.2bn claimed by the Minister. The actual increase is to €1.29bn towards 2020 and €1.54bn towards 2021. This is a critical difference because these figures will determine the ability of Government, local authorities, and approved housing bodies to deliver the social houses urgently required.”
Regarding targets Teachta Brady said we have to ‘get real’. When targets are set the government must aim to reach them:
“Minister Coveney’s plans will produce up to 6,000 real social houses a year for six years. This falls far short of the annual target proposed by the Dáil Housing and Homelessness Committee - 10,000 real social housing units a year. In other words Minister Coveney is falling short of the Dáil Housing and Homelessness Committee recommendations by 40%. More worrying is the fact that the increase in Capital Spending on Social Housing next year is a mere €150m. Given the relentless rises in the numbers of people in emergency accommodation, living at risk of homelessness and languishing on local authority waiting lists; this increase is simply not enough and way short of previously stated goals.”
Teachta Brady also pointed out that in terms of dealing with Mortgage arrears the Fine Gael plans seriously backtrack on commitments made in their programme for Government:
“There was much to be welcomed in the Programme for Government commitments to deal with mortgage arrears including many things Sinn Fein had long called for. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, the watering down of these commitments, which we have already quizzed the Minister for Finance on, has been confirmed in this plan.
“Gone is the promise to ‘establish a dedicated new court’ for mortgage cases. In its place, the Minister for Justice will ask the Courts to hold these cases at certain times and places. The commitment to hold these cases in private has now been put in doubt too with the Housing Action Plan raising concern about the constitutionality of this move.
“Gone also is the Programme for Government commitment to amend the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. We have pointed out the backsliding of Minister Noonan on this issue when he told us that the commitment only referred to non-bank lenders like vulture funds. Now it is clear that even that commitment has been reduced to ‘an assessment of existing sustainable solutions’.
“Likewise, the commitment to raise the threshold levels for accessing the Personal Insolvency system have been downgraded to only a possibility instead of a commitment to raise them ‘where appropriate’.
“There is a little welcome detail on the new advice service and the powers available to it. However, we have seen many schemes like this before that were promised but never delivered. There is a worrying gap between what this government promises and what is actually delivered. We are eight years on since the banking crash yet Fine Gael are simply not on top of the mortgage crisis. The 85,989 families in arrears can’t afford any more backsliding on what were only modest advances in the first instance.” Concluded Teachta Brady.
“Fine Gael’s ‘Housing Action Plan’ is a small improvement on the plans produced by his Labour predecessor Alan Kelly but still falls far short of what is actually needed. With over one hundred thousand households across the state now on the social housing waiting list, there is a fear that despite recent announcements we could be heading from crisis to catastrophe.”
Teachta Brady said putting party politics aside, the holes in the current government plans are pretty stark and show that the government seem to be seriously underestimating the extent of the challenges ahead:
“All parties need to get on board in working to deliver results that will resolve the housing crises as soon as is humanly possible. But the current round of government plans has some serious flaws, all of which have been pointed out by Sinn Fein. We very much welcome increased investment in social housing. However contrary to Minister Coveney's announcement; the real increase in investment in social housing on his predecessor’s plans is less than the €2.2bn claimed by the Minister. The actual increase is to €1.29bn towards 2020 and €1.54bn towards 2021. This is a critical difference because these figures will determine the ability of Government, local authorities, and approved housing bodies to deliver the social houses urgently required.”
Regarding targets Teachta Brady said we have to ‘get real’. When targets are set the government must aim to reach them:
“Minister Coveney’s plans will produce up to 6,000 real social houses a year for six years. This falls far short of the annual target proposed by the Dáil Housing and Homelessness Committee - 10,000 real social housing units a year. In other words Minister Coveney is falling short of the Dáil Housing and Homelessness Committee recommendations by 40%. More worrying is the fact that the increase in Capital Spending on Social Housing next year is a mere €150m. Given the relentless rises in the numbers of people in emergency accommodation, living at risk of homelessness and languishing on local authority waiting lists; this increase is simply not enough and way short of previously stated goals.”
Teachta Brady also pointed out that in terms of dealing with Mortgage arrears the Fine Gael plans seriously backtrack on commitments made in their programme for Government:
“There was much to be welcomed in the Programme for Government commitments to deal with mortgage arrears including many things Sinn Fein had long called for. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, the watering down of these commitments, which we have already quizzed the Minister for Finance on, has been confirmed in this plan.
“Gone is the promise to ‘establish a dedicated new court’ for mortgage cases. In its place, the Minister for Justice will ask the Courts to hold these cases at certain times and places. The commitment to hold these cases in private has now been put in doubt too with the Housing Action Plan raising concern about the constitutionality of this move.
“Gone also is the Programme for Government commitment to amend the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears. We have pointed out the backsliding of Minister Noonan on this issue when he told us that the commitment only referred to non-bank lenders like vulture funds. Now it is clear that even that commitment has been reduced to ‘an assessment of existing sustainable solutions’.
“Likewise, the commitment to raise the threshold levels for accessing the Personal Insolvency system have been downgraded to only a possibility instead of a commitment to raise them ‘where appropriate’.
“There is a little welcome detail on the new advice service and the powers available to it. However, we have seen many schemes like this before that were promised but never delivered. There is a worrying gap between what this government promises and what is actually delivered. We are eight years on since the banking crash yet Fine Gael are simply not on top of the mortgage crisis. The 85,989 families in arrears can’t afford any more backsliding on what were only modest advances in the first instance.” Concluded Teachta Brady.
Pension system must be reformed immediately-Brady
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has welcomed comments made by Minister Varadkar today on the need for careful yet, real and urgent reform owing to unsustainability of the State pension. Deputy Brady highlighted that certain issues, such as the inability for many who retire at age 65 to access their pension, could be addressed immediately.
Deputy Brady said:
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has welcomed comments made by Minister Varadkar today on the need for careful yet, real and urgent reform owing to unsustainability of the State pension. Deputy Brady highlighted that certain issues, such as the inability for many who retire at age 65 to access their pension, could be addressed immediately.
Deputy Brady said:
“I welcome the Minister’s acknowledgement that the current pension system is unsustainable and there is a real need to put a better system in place. While, I agree with the Minister in saying that reforming the pension system will take time, he mentions ten years, there are other issues within the system that he could deal with immediately.
“The increase in the retirement age to 66 years by the previous Government has left many people across the State in limbo when it comes to their State pension. Once people reach the age of 65 they are unable to access their pension and are forced onto social welfare to fill the gap until their 66th birthday.
“These are people, in many cases who have worked their whole lives, some having worked forty or fifty years and had never claimed benefits before. The choice for them at the end of their contract at 65 is to sign on for social welfare or survive the year without any income.
“This increase in retirement age was brought in quite subtly and it meant that many people were only aware of it on approaching retirement. This of course, was the workings of Fine Gael and the Labour Party.
“People at the age of 65 should not be forced on to social welfare and they should not have to wait an extra year to access a pension they have been paying into for many years.
“Under Fine Gael’s plans the pension age will increase to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 years in 2028 and further increases after that have not been ruled out. The pension system needs a major overhaul however; reforming it should not involve forcing 65 year olds on to social welfare. This does nothing for pension reform.
“This is an issue that the Minister could begin work on without delay. It was a bad decision made without properly examining the pension system as a whole which the Minister now intends to do over the next ten years.
“Sinn Féin would immediately reinstate the State Pension Transition (for 65 year olds now and the over 66s in 2021), for those who have an employment contract only until 65 or 66. This should be the starting point for the Minister.”
Deputy Brady said:
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has welcomed comments made by Minister Varadkar today on the need for careful yet, real and urgent reform owing to unsustainability of the State pension. Deputy Brady highlighted that certain issues, such as the inability for many who retire at age 65 to access their pension, could be addressed immediately.
Deputy Brady said:
“I welcome the Minister’s acknowledgement that the current pension system is unsustainable and there is a real need to put a better system in place. While, I agree with the Minister in saying that reforming the pension system will take time, he mentions ten years, there are other issues within the system that he could deal with immediately.
“The increase in the retirement age to 66 years by the previous Government has left many people across the State in limbo when it comes to their State pension. Once people reach the age of 65 they are unable to access their pension and are forced onto social welfare to fill the gap until their 66th birthday.
“These are people, in many cases who have worked their whole lives, some having worked forty or fifty years and had never claimed benefits before. The choice for them at the end of their contract at 65 is to sign on for social welfare or survive the year without any income.
“This increase in retirement age was brought in quite subtly and it meant that many people were only aware of it on approaching retirement. This of course, was the workings of Fine Gael and the Labour Party.
“People at the age of 65 should not be forced on to social welfare and they should not have to wait an extra year to access a pension they have been paying into for many years.
“Under Fine Gael’s plans the pension age will increase to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 years in 2028 and further increases after that have not been ruled out. The pension system needs a major overhaul however; reforming it should not involve forcing 65 year olds on to social welfare. This does nothing for pension reform.
“This is an issue that the Minister could begin work on without delay. It was a bad decision made without properly examining the pension system as a whole which the Minister now intends to do over the next ten years.
“Sinn Féin would immediately reinstate the State Pension Transition (for 65 year olds now and the over 66s in 2021), for those who have an employment contract only until 65 or 66. This should be the starting point for the Minister.”
Friday, 15 July 2016
Personal Micro Credit ‘a really encouraging initiative’ that should be rolled out in Wicklow/East Carlow Credit Union branches – Brady
Speaking after a meeting with representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has complimented the work they have done in providing credit for the most vulnerable in society and called on the Credit Union branches across the State to sign up to the initiative.
Teachta Brady said:
“I was delighted to meet with three representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions this week where we discussed the country wide roll out of Personal Micro Credit. This has been successfully piloted in 30 credit unions across the State already.
“Personal Micro Credit is a newly launched initiative which provides a small loan of up to €2,000 for social welfare cash recipients. It provides the most vulnerable in society with small affordable loans to meet genuine needs. This can be especially helpful for families when it comes to managing back to school costs or at Christmas time.“It is really encouraging to see this initiative being rolled out as it is providing financial support for those who need it most and those who would not necessarily find it easy to receive credit. With that, people now have a real alternative to companies such as Provident and other moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates of up to 200% in some cases, which can leave families under severe financial strain and unnecessary worry.
“The Irish League of Credit Unions has put this in place to assist those out there who are really struggling. It also ends the perception out there that credit unions will not lend to non-members, those without savings, those on social welfare or those without a perfect credit rating. This is unique and it is extremely welcome.
“It is now up to individual credit unions whether or not they decide to roll out Personal Micro Credit however, it is something I feel should be considered by all credit unions across Wicklow/East Carlow and the State. I hope that credit unions will collectively recognise both the difficulty faced by people in receiving credit and the danger posed by moneylenders which can now be avoided. The success rate of the pilot of this initiative speaks for itself and I strongly support the Irish League of Credit Unions with this initiative as they move to country wide roll out.”
Teachta Brady said:
“I was delighted to meet with three representatives from the Irish League of Credit Unions this week where we discussed the country wide roll out of Personal Micro Credit. This has been successfully piloted in 30 credit unions across the State already.
“Personal Micro Credit is a newly launched initiative which provides a small loan of up to €2,000 for social welfare cash recipients. It provides the most vulnerable in society with small affordable loans to meet genuine needs. This can be especially helpful for families when it comes to managing back to school costs or at Christmas time.“It is really encouraging to see this initiative being rolled out as it is providing financial support for those who need it most and those who would not necessarily find it easy to receive credit. With that, people now have a real alternative to companies such as Provident and other moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates of up to 200% in some cases, which can leave families under severe financial strain and unnecessary worry.
“The Irish League of Credit Unions has put this in place to assist those out there who are really struggling. It also ends the perception out there that credit unions will not lend to non-members, those without savings, those on social welfare or those without a perfect credit rating. This is unique and it is extremely welcome.
“It is now up to individual credit unions whether or not they decide to roll out Personal Micro Credit however, it is something I feel should be considered by all credit unions across Wicklow/East Carlow and the State. I hope that credit unions will collectively recognise both the difficulty faced by people in receiving credit and the danger posed by moneylenders which can now be avoided. The success rate of the pilot of this initiative speaks for itself and I strongly support the Irish League of Credit Unions with this initiative as they move to country wide roll out.”
Some in the Dáil have short memories of Loughlinstown closure – Brady
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow and spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady has been reacting to comments made by Deputy Brendan Howlin in the Dáil. His comments were in relation the threat of removal or closure of some trauma care services from emergency departments across the country.
Deputy Brady said:
“ In his words of wisdom to the Tánaiste, Deputy Howlin commented that she had failed to give reassurance that Accident & Emergency units would not be affected by the unpublished report from the Trauma Steering Group.
“The hypocrisy of Deputy Howlin is incredible given the fact that he stood over the closure of a number of A&Es during his time in Government including the one at St. Columcilles at Loughlinstown in 2013.
“While, Deputy Howlin might have a short memory, the people impacted by the closure at Loughlinstown have been left to join the already overcrowded and under resourced A&E at St. Vincents, a considerable distance away.
“At the time, Deputy Howlin had little concern for the thousands of people in Wicklow who relied on access to the A&E facilities in St. Columcilles Hospital every year.
“If the contents leaked from this unpublished report are to be believed, the emergency services at Naas and Wexford hospitals are under threat. This will be a double whammy for Wicklow and will particularly impact on those living in South and West Wicklow which takes in Blessington, Arklow, Baltinglass and Carnew who rely on these services.
“While this report is yet to be published, it has raised serious concerns for a number of counties across the country. With the loss of Loughlinstown in 2013 we cannot allow further loss of critical health services in County Wicklow.”
Deputy Brady concluded by calling on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to clarify the situation regarding the future of the 9 Trauma units “The people of Wicklow, particularly in the south and the west of the County depend on Nass and Wexford and I’m calling on Minister Harris to give assurances that their future is safe”.
Deputy Brady said:
“ In his words of wisdom to the Tánaiste, Deputy Howlin commented that she had failed to give reassurance that Accident & Emergency units would not be affected by the unpublished report from the Trauma Steering Group.
“The hypocrisy of Deputy Howlin is incredible given the fact that he stood over the closure of a number of A&Es during his time in Government including the one at St. Columcilles at Loughlinstown in 2013.
“While, Deputy Howlin might have a short memory, the people impacted by the closure at Loughlinstown have been left to join the already overcrowded and under resourced A&E at St. Vincents, a considerable distance away.
“At the time, Deputy Howlin had little concern for the thousands of people in Wicklow who relied on access to the A&E facilities in St. Columcilles Hospital every year.
“If the contents leaked from this unpublished report are to be believed, the emergency services at Naas and Wexford hospitals are under threat. This will be a double whammy for Wicklow and will particularly impact on those living in South and West Wicklow which takes in Blessington, Arklow, Baltinglass and Carnew who rely on these services.
“While this report is yet to be published, it has raised serious concerns for a number of counties across the country. With the loss of Loughlinstown in 2013 we cannot allow further loss of critical health services in County Wicklow.”
Deputy Brady concluded by calling on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to clarify the situation regarding the future of the 9 Trauma units “The people of Wicklow, particularly in the south and the west of the County depend on Nass and Wexford and I’m calling on Minister Harris to give assurances that their future is safe”.
Monday, 4 July 2016
Brady welcomes 45 new social housing units in Rathnew
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed the decision taken at Monday’s Wicklow County Council meeting to grant planning to the approved housing body Cluid to construct 45 social housing units in Rathnew, this is been done in co-operation with Wicklow County Council.
Speaking after the Councillors voted in favour of giving the proposed development the green light John Brady TD said “I want to commend all the Wicklow Councillors that supported the proposal from Cluid to construct the 45 badly needed social housing units in Rathnew. Cluid are an approved housing body and the scheme is been done in co-operation with Wicklow County Council.”
“This is good news and a step in the right direction in tackling the housing crisis in Wicklow. It follows on from the recent approval on 42 houses on the Murphy’s land site in Bray and 20 units at Brewery Bends in Rathdrum. It’s critical that all these schemes progress as swiftly as possible.”
Brady continued “It’s critically important that other schemes are fast tracked across the County in places like Arklow, Wicklow Town and Blessington. I will keep the pressure on at a national level to ensure that funds are made available to ensure the limited progress continues.”
“The hard works of all in Cluid, along with the housing staff in Wicklow County Council have to be commended in getting this scheme to this stage. The staff in the housing section are doing exceptional work in very challenging circumstances and they must be singled out for praise” concluded Brady.
Speaking after the Councillors voted in favour of giving the proposed development the green light John Brady TD said “I want to commend all the Wicklow Councillors that supported the proposal from Cluid to construct the 45 badly needed social housing units in Rathnew. Cluid are an approved housing body and the scheme is been done in co-operation with Wicklow County Council.”
“This is good news and a step in the right direction in tackling the housing crisis in Wicklow. It follows on from the recent approval on 42 houses on the Murphy’s land site in Bray and 20 units at Brewery Bends in Rathdrum. It’s critical that all these schemes progress as swiftly as possible.”
Brady continued “It’s critically important that other schemes are fast tracked across the County in places like Arklow, Wicklow Town and Blessington. I will keep the pressure on at a national level to ensure that funds are made available to ensure the limited progress continues.”
“The hard works of all in Cluid, along with the housing staff in Wicklow County Council have to be commended in getting this scheme to this stage. The staff in the housing section are doing exceptional work in very challenging circumstances and they must be singled out for praise” concluded Brady.
Monday, 23 May 2016
John Brady welcomes news that JobBridge is to be Scrapped
Sinn Féin Social Protection spokesperson John Brady TD has welcomed the news this evening that the JobBridge Scheme is to be scrapped and replaced.
Deputy Brady said his party has proposed and alternative to JobBridge and he will be sending it to Minister Varadkar this week for his consideration.
Speaking this evening the Wicklow TD said;
“The JobBridge Scheme is exploitative and it replaces real proper paid employment. We therefore welcome the news this evening that the scheme is to be scrapped and replaced.
“Sinn Féin has campaigned for an end to this scheme and we have put forward an alternative which would allow for tailored internship programmes with meaningful learning opportunities.
“I will be forwarding this document to Minister Varadkar this week and urging him to consider our proposal as a replacement for JobBridge
Deputy Brady said his party has proposed and alternative to JobBridge and he will be sending it to Minister Varadkar this week for his consideration.
Speaking this evening the Wicklow TD said;
“The JobBridge Scheme is exploitative and it replaces real proper paid employment. We therefore welcome the news this evening that the scheme is to be scrapped and replaced.
“Sinn Féin has campaigned for an end to this scheme and we have put forward an alternative which would allow for tailored internship programmes with meaningful learning opportunities.
“I will be forwarding this document to Minister Varadkar this week and urging him to consider our proposal as a replacement for JobBridge
Friday, 20 May 2016
We’re calling for the immediate release of the Wicklow 2 – Brady
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has called for the immediate release of Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle, who were remanded in custody for protesting against water charges.
John Brady was part of a delegation of TDs who visited the Wicklow 2 in Cloverhill prison this morning.
Deputy Brady said:
“Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle are in good spirits, despite having been jailed for almost two weeks. These men, who are in their sixties, are determined – they have taken a stand and will not allow their stint behind bars to weaken their resolve.
“It is disgraceful that the water metering programme continues, despite most elected TDs in Leinster House being against water charges. If the programme was to stop, these men could be out of prison immediately.
“They are well aware that the water metering programme is just a stepping stone to the eventual privatisation of this natural resource. Sinn Féin are in full support of the abolition of the programme and strongly oppose this privatisation agenda. Our Private Members Motion signed by 39 Right2Water TDs next week will put it to up to all those who opposed water charges to show their true colours and support the scrapping of Irish Water and water charges for good.
“It is ludicrous that the installation of water meters is continuing even when the government have tasked a commission to examine the regime. Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle will be back before courts on Tuesday. We’re calling for their immediate release. We are also urging members of the public to join the 'Free the Wicklow 2' March to Cloverhill Prison which leaves from Cherry Orchard Hospital at 2pm tomorrow.”
John Brady was part of a delegation of TDs who visited the Wicklow 2 in Cloverhill prison this morning.
Deputy Brady said:
“Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle are in good spirits, despite having been jailed for almost two weeks. These men, who are in their sixties, are determined – they have taken a stand and will not allow their stint behind bars to weaken their resolve.
“It is disgraceful that the water metering programme continues, despite most elected TDs in Leinster House being against water charges. If the programme was to stop, these men could be out of prison immediately.
“They are well aware that the water metering programme is just a stepping stone to the eventual privatisation of this natural resource. Sinn Féin are in full support of the abolition of the programme and strongly oppose this privatisation agenda. Our Private Members Motion signed by 39 Right2Water TDs next week will put it to up to all those who opposed water charges to show their true colours and support the scrapping of Irish Water and water charges for good.
“It is ludicrous that the installation of water meters is continuing even when the government have tasked a commission to examine the regime. Eamon McGrath and Seán Doyle will be back before courts on Tuesday. We’re calling for their immediate release. We are also urging members of the public to join the 'Free the Wicklow 2' March to Cloverhill Prison which leaves from Cherry Orchard Hospital at 2pm tomorrow.”
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Installation of water meters must stop now - Brady
Installation of water meters must stop now - Brady
Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady has called on the government to stop the installation of water meters and the arrest of protestors. He made his comments as part of a Dáil debate on Irish Water
Deputy Brady continued;
“In February the people decided to elect 90 TD’s to this house with a mandate to scrap Irish Water and Water Charges.
The state has forcefully pursued the Irish Water agenda, with Gardaí and private security firms in tow.
Last year across the state over 188 ordinary citizens were arrested for opposing the installation of water meters, some of which are being installed by companies who have friends in high places.
On 14th April, 14 people were arrested in Wicklow Town for peacefully protesting against the roll out of the water metering programme which is costing over €540m. At that particular protest, not unlike many others, over 15 members of the Gardaí where present acting as private security for a private company.
Last year at a similar protest in Wicklow 17 people were arrested by a force of over 30 Gardaí. The irony here minister is due to cut backs, Wicklow Town has no Community Garda, yet Garda resources are being squandered in protecting Denis O’Brien.
Would those resources not be better spent protecting the communities from the crime gangs that are terrorising and murdering people in our communities?
Would it not be better to stop raiding the limited resources that local authorities have, in order to hand it over to Irish Water to install meters?
The mandate they have given to the majority of TDs here is for the total scrapping of Water metering, Irish Water and Water Charges.”
Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady has called on the government to stop the installation of water meters and the arrest of protestors. He made his comments as part of a Dáil debate on Irish Water
Deputy Brady continued;
“In February the people decided to elect 90 TD’s to this house with a mandate to scrap Irish Water and Water Charges.
The state has forcefully pursued the Irish Water agenda, with Gardaí and private security firms in tow.
Last year across the state over 188 ordinary citizens were arrested for opposing the installation of water meters, some of which are being installed by companies who have friends in high places.
On 14th April, 14 people were arrested in Wicklow Town for peacefully protesting against the roll out of the water metering programme which is costing over €540m. At that particular protest, not unlike many others, over 15 members of the Gardaí where present acting as private security for a private company.
Last year at a similar protest in Wicklow 17 people were arrested by a force of over 30 Gardaí. The irony here minister is due to cut backs, Wicklow Town has no Community Garda, yet Garda resources are being squandered in protecting Denis O’Brien.
Would those resources not be better spent protecting the communities from the crime gangs that are terrorising and murdering people in our communities?
Would it not be better to stop raiding the limited resources that local authorities have, in order to hand it over to Irish Water to install meters?
The mandate they have given to the majority of TDs here is for the total scrapping of Water metering, Irish Water and Water Charges.”
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